Economic Gain. Increased demand for renewables throughout the US could be a boon for our state’s economy, attracting and sustaining companies that build, install and operate wind turbines, solar power equipment, and hydroelectric infrastructure. Colorado already hosts a myriad of such companies who have paved the way for these industries.

We’re on our way. Xcel Energy, which provides service in the Boulder and Greeley areas, has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 19 percent from 2005 levels and aims to achieve a 31 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020. Other rural regions, including ours, get power from Tri-state Generation and Transmission, which generates more than half of its electricity from coal-fired power plants. It is unclear how the proposed plan will affect them.